Saturday, December 31, 2011

I haven't done a monthly recap in awhile. Actually, I can't remember the last time I did one. Maybe sometime this summer?

Whenever my last update might have been, it has been quite sometime. Life is busy. So busy that I can't seem to squeeze everything I want to into my days. On the days that I don't have a demanding schedule I do the things I deem most necessary to get done, and then I relax. On the days a majority of the hours are scheduled, I end my day thinking about everything I didn't get done.

This month has flown by. It's gone by a lot quicker than most typical Decembers do. I thought once the LSAT was over life would slowdown. It hasn't. Since this is the case, I've made a conscious effort to slow myself down. When you've been going, going, going like I have all year there comes a moment when you have to hit the pause button -- even if it's for a brief moment.

In the past, I've typically dreaded December. Maybe I feel differently about this one because we haven't gotten any snow yet. Maybe it's because I'm no longer haunted by the awfulness that December use to represent to me. I'm not exactly sure. All I know is that despite the grey skies and chill in the air the only thing that seems to put me in a mopey mood is lack of sleep -- and that can usually be cured with a caffeine fix.

I hate saying this, but I only remember a few highlights from this month. A few gatherings to celebrate the holidays, a girls day with S, my first Blackhawks game and last minute plans to take the train home with Bostonian. A lot of my weekend plans came together at the last minute this month. As much as I'm all about planning, there is something nice about weekend plans coming together at the last minute.

This month I discovered a new talent - I can turn off my alarm without even waking up. I am quite impressed with myself considering my phone serves as my alarm clock which mean I have to first locate, and unlock, it before I can even attempt to turn it off. (It's about simple things.)

The past couple of days I've treated myself to reading what I call guilty pleasure books. To others these are known as celebrity biographies. In my world, it's a particular celebrity biography. I'm not going to name names right now, but I will say this particular celebrity has published three books, and I am in the process of reading book number three. I've been enjoying these books so much I may actually reveal my dirty little secret of whom it is I'm reading about and write something about them once I'm completely done with this current book.

I have to admit, I'm kind of excited to bid December farewell when I think of all that is coming up over the next months. More fun times with friends, new endeavors and lots of new challenges await.

So here is farewell to December... And, I guess 2011 as well!

May your 2012 be healthy and happy... and be filled with only the best life has to offer!

Friday, December 30, 2011

This week, I asked the ladies of the Thursday blog project to write about their thought regarding Timothy Tebowing and the new phenomenon of "Tebowing."

Before I get into my thoughts on this, here is some background information. Please note, this is the "cliff notes" I can provide, so if something is missing I apologize in advance:

In 2010, the Denver Broncos drafted Tim Tebow, a quarterback from the University of Florida. Tebow, a devout Christian, would wear biblical references such as "John 3:16" on his eye paint during college game. Recently, there has been a lot of talk in the news about Tebow and how he kneels and prays after a game success. "Tebowing" has become a widespread phenomenon to the point it has been accepted as a word in the English language.

When I first heard about Tebow, and "Tebowing" I was taken a back. I don't follow football religiously (no pun intended) like some. I'll watch the Bears game, but not other teams. Sadly, I can't say I've watched my Frogs play this season.

I actually heard about Tebow on a news program that featured him because of the new phenomenon Tebowing. Tebowing, as I understand it, is "To get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different." Ever since I've heard about it, I've been split on whether or not Tebow should be praying at his work - otherwise known as Denver Broncos games.

One side of me knows he, just like the rest of us, has the right to express his religious beliefs in public or private. However, the other side of me says this isn't right because he's not your average worker. His fame gives him more influence over those who watch him play. Although he does represent the religious belief of the majority of Americans, he does not represent all of them

Recently, I was watching a commentary about how nice it is to have someone like Tebow in the spotlight because he represents a fresh set of values and moral that aren't found amongst professional athletes. (Or something to that effect.) As I watched the commentary, I my mind went back to this past September when I, briefly, met at one of his appearances Gabe Carimi who is a offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears. Gabe, is also nicknamed "The Bear Jew." I began to wonder if the individual giving the commentary would be doing so if it were Carmini who was expressing his religious views on the field by davoning. Or, would the commentary be completely different? I also wondered what if a Muslim or Buddhist were expressing their religious views. What would be the result of that? I wonder about the fans who are Atheist and Agnostics, what do they think about all this?

The other thing that I think about is about the pop culture phenomenon Tebowing has become. Web sites where people can post pictures of them "Tebowing" have popped up. Other athletes have begun to kneel and pray after a good play. There is one video on YouTube that is captioned something like "So and so beat Tebow to Tebowing." I have to question whether or not that player was sincere in their express, or was it just for the sake of doing it? Is religion value and sincerity of religious expression being diminished as a result Tebowing?

I'm not siting here and say I believe X. I honestly don't have a solid opinion quite yet. (A first, I know!) A lot of my questions might make it seem I think Tebow should stop Tebowing -- I'm not saying that. I'm just doing what I do best, trying to think of this from all points of view.

What I will say is, I don't think Tim Tebow does what he does for the publicity. I believe he is sincere in his express. I just continue to wonder if it is the right place and time for that expression.

Now that I have given you my thoughts on Tebowing, please take a moment to read what my fellow bloggers have to say:

Monday, December 26, 2011

This year, there was a lot of talk about Chinese food. A lot of people I know went for Chinese food. I, however, did not. When I look back on the past couple of years, I realize I've this is one "tradition" I rarely participate in. To be exact, I've only done it once - in 2009. Other than that, I've basically been with family or someone elses' family. (To quote Susanna the Short, "Everyone should have to put up with someone's family on Christmas.")

This year was the year of deli food wise. Last week it came to my attention that in the past 365 days I had eaten a little too much Chinese. My gauge for this decision was based upon the number of good fortune cookie fortunes I had saved over the past years. (It was a very fruitful year for good fortune cookie fortunes.) After counting the number of fortunes I have retained as a result of this little thing I do, I added on all the times I got a "just ok fortune". All this leading to the decision that I can go without Chinese food for the next two weeks -- at least. So, instead of Chinese we had deli. Might I say, YUMMY!

• Yesterday, some of us from my knit group decided we would meet to knit. We were so happy to find a place that was open. (Thank you Starbucks!) It was a bit difficult to find a place to meet, but not as difficult as it was finding a place to meet with friends on Christmas Eve. I'm so thankful we not only found a place, but found somewhere that would allow us to linger. We gave our server a really good tip since this was the case.

• One of my favorite holiday past times is to drive around various neighborhoods at night and look at all the lights on the houses. I like looking at pretty lights. Even just looking at city lights from high up places is one of my favorite things to do. The view from the top if the Empire State Building is amazing! I have to admit, one of the many reasons I can't wait to go travel to France is so I can see Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower. (It's truly the little things that make me happy.)

• Two people. Two gallons of Garrett's Chicago Mix popcorn. One gallon consumed in two days. Neither person can look at Garrett's popcorn without having an adverse reaction -- and all this for a custom tin lid.

• Over the past couple of months I've talked about jars of worms and elephants in the room. Both of these were my way of talking about big things that were preoccupying my mind.

Last week I finally got rid of the jar of worms for good. I mean the worms are now back in their natural habitat, and the jar they were in has been smashed into such fine pieces that it is impossible to put it back together.

Phew!!!

As for the elephant... I made it a lovely meal for its travel and then kicked it out of my space. I'm not sure what I'll do with all the room I suddenly have, but it's so nice to get it out of my way. I mean, the elephant is still on my mind, but not like it was before because I finally did something about it... this is a good thing!

• In case anyone was interested, there are 17 ways to spell Hanukkah. I figured 3, TOPS, but apparently there are 17... And I thought making sure spelling La Shanah Tova correctly was stressful!

• Thursday was the winter solstice. Friday Festivus. Saturday was Christmas Eve. Today is Boxing Day. All the while it has been Hanukkah. Tomorrow is night 8, and Wednesday the last day.

Whooo... I'm getting tired just thinking about all of this! (I might need a vacation from the past week.)

Thursday and Friday are HOLIDAY (EVENT) FREE. Not that holidays/events are necessarily bad. It's strange that there will be nothing to acknowledge/celebrate . . . at least until Saturday.

• I feel the need to acknowledge my good friends.

One of the best parts of my life are these individuals. They are such a big part of my life. Amongst many things, I love how much they make me laugh. This laughter helps me remember not to take life SO seriously that I forget to have fun and enjoy myself. Everyone should have people like this in their world.

Ok, ok, the sap-fest is over . . .

• It IS a blog post masquerading as an e-mail! (Totally an inside joke!)

Umm . . . I've lost focus. So, I'm thinking that means I've come to the end of this post. Ta! Ta!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

This week for the Thursday blog project, Susanna asked us to write about the following: NTSA says that talking on your cell phone even with a blue tooth, is as dangerous or more dangerous than driving drunk. The recommendation is to ban use of cell phones in car. What do you think about that?

I will admit, I had an adverse reaction when I saw this. I get why texting or e-mailing while driving is bad. Participating in these activities while driving takes your eyes away from where they should be - on the road! However, I don't agree that a ban phone usage while driving would make driving safer.

Since Susanna gave us this topic, I've been reading some articles about the recommendation the NTSA made. I wanted to fully understand what it is they are trying to put into place. As I understand it, this is just a recommendation for state to adopt, and not a mandate. Each state would have to pass individual bills in their legislature to ban the use of cell phone while driving. Furthermore, the ban is only on drivers not using phones that are not connected to the vehicle's internal system (for example On Star or a blue tooth system that is built into the car itself). Also, passengers would not be affected by this ban. They would still be able to talk on their phones while in a moving vehicle. So, if you have a system that allows you to call people through your car's computer than that would be just fine. The recommendation also says it's fine for passengers to use there phones. It is the driver that would be banned from using their phone.

Today, one of my Facebook friends posted this article regarding the psychology of why government should limit our use of cell phones while we drive. The main argument is that it distracts drives from what is going on around them.

This leads me to ask a few questions:

• What makes a conversation conducted via a car's computer less distracting or dangerous than a call placed via an actual cell phone? Especially if your phone has voice controls that allow you to dial your phone without pushing any buttons

• What makes a passenger's conversation less distracting?

• Does this mean we shouldn't talk to our passengers at all while the car in motion?

• What makes talking on the phone more distracting or dangerous than listening to the radio or an audiobook? Or, for that matter taking a sip of a drink we might have in the car with us or taking a bite to eat? (I realize these are not advisable driving habit, but they do happen nonetheless.

I'd like to point out, I am rarely on the phone while I drive so I'm not taking this position because I'm afraid of missing precious talk time. It's really a rare occasion that I'm talking and driving at the same time. Or, for that matter initiate a random call while driving. After the LSAT in June, I did call two different people on my way home. The testing center was an hour away from my home and I was so exhausted that I needed to talk to someone in order to be alert. It's funny to say, but it's true. Most of the time if I do make a call while driving, it's most likely because I'm letting someone know I'm running late and will be there as soon as I can. Otherwise, like I said, I don't really call anyone just to talk, and if someone calls me while I'm driving chances are I will most likely miss since I keep the ringer on vibrate most of the time and my phone either in my purse or on the passenger seat.

I guess my greatest objection to this recommendation is the fact that it fails recognize there are other things in vehicles that can cause drivers to get into accidents. I actually know someone who got into an accident while changing the radio station while they were moving. I don't have the statistics on it how often this happen, but I believe it is safe to say they were one of many that has happened too.

I don't think that people need to be on their phones the whole time they are driving and there is a moderation factor that comes into play as well. However, I also don't think that eliminating phone usage all together will make the roads significantly safer.

Lastly, I'll say this... I was talking about this with a someone I know whose son is a police officer. This individual works in an area where you are required to use a hands free device if you are talking on your phone while driving. The individual I spoke with said, their son never pulls anyone over for the sole purpose of busting them on that offense. They'll only make that citation if they are pulling a driver over for another reason. This makes me wonder if and when this recommendation is adopted by states how strongly it will be enforced.

Now that I have shared my thoughts on the NTSA's recommendation to ban phone usage while driving a car, please take a moment to read what my fellow bloggers have to say about the topic:

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Hmmm . . . I was flattered that this person said that. It was the first time anyone had compared me to a celebrity. Since I typically have a difficult time accepting compliments I didn't say much about it.

This week, for the Thursday blog project Sara (Ms. Momarock) asked us if we ever get the following comment: "You look so much like ________________"? As I mentioned earlier, the Jennifer Love Hewitt comment is the only celebrity anyone has ever said I look like, however it's not the only time someone has told me I had a twin.

It's been awhile since she said anything about it, but there were many knitting group meeting in which BookGirl told me I had a twin that took the same Metra line train that I take when traveling downtown. The first time she told me this I was intrigued, and asked a ton of questions about this person. BookGirl had no answers for me. All she could say is that though she knew there was no way it was me every time she saw this person she thought it was me. At one point she did ask me if there was something I wasn't telling folks, but I assured her that it wasn't me. From that moment on, each week I would ask her if she saw my twin and when I was going to see a picture of this person. I was curious - who wouldn't be? Especially since I had heard so much about this individuals "interesting" work wardrobe. I never did get to see a picture of my twin. Oh well!

I didn't notice the similarities the first couple of times I saw him. Then one day on my way home from the city we introduced ourselves to each other. Our stop was coming up and we were waiting in line. We were bound to speak at some point. It seems reasonable considering we had crossed paths at various law school open house type events and had seen each other at the Metra depot on other occasions. However, it wasn't until he told me his name that it hit me like a brick who he reminded me of...

"OMG! BFF's husband has a twin!" I kept thinking to myself as we chatted about where we were in our exploration of law school.

Ok, so he's a complete replica looks wise of her husband, but pretty close. The part that freaked me out was his voice sounds the same as her husband, they both have the same first name AND work in the same industry. What are the odds??? I was tempted to say something to him about having a twin, but I decided not too. It wasn't prudent to the conversation we were having at the time. Also, I figured should we ever speak/cross paths again I didn't want to have the idea of them seeming to be identical twins stuck in my head and one surefire way to do that was to say something to him. Of course I immediately e-mailed BFF to tell her, and of course a picture was requested. HA! It was just like how I requested a picture of my Metra twin. I told BFF that I didn't know if and when I'd ever see him again so I wasn't sure about getting a picture. Also, it's a little hard to ask a stranger (for all intents and purposes) if they would let you take a picture without having to explain why you want it - especially if you're not planning on telling them they have a twin.

I wonder how many others have found the twin of someone they know on that Metra line. I would think these are two rare cases, but it's fun to consider. Now that I've talked about my experiences with celebrity, and not so celebrity, twins please take a moment to read what my fellow bloggers have to say about their "twin":

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Recently I was introduced to a blog called: I am a Reader, Not a Writer. It's a book review site. In the short time I've been aware of this site (just a couple of days), I haven't really pegged-down a particular type of genre this site caters too; I have, however, noticed that the featured authors are female which leads me to believe that it's not necessarily genre driven as it is driven towards highlighting women authors.

Regardless of its target audience, what drew me in from the start was the blog name itself - "I'm A Reader, Not A Writer." I instantly laughed when I read that and said, "You may be a reader, not a writer, but I'm for sure a writer, and NOT a reader."

That was a couple of days ago. Since then I haven't been able to stop thinking about what I proclaimed to myself. I've been questioning what makes someone a reader.

So I did what I do so well... went back to the beginning to figure out why I made this assumption.

First things first, in my mind what makes someone a reader?

Instead of putting a definition around the term reader, I thought of those I see as "readers." The first ones that came to mind were my friends BFF, PT, D, and my brother and sil A-squared. I know for a fact, all of these individuals love to read. It's a passion of theirs which they make time for regardless of what other things are going on in their lives. (For one, it has became part of their "work" as well.)

I can tell you, they ARE readers!

Where does my opinion that I'm not a reader come from?

Unlike my friends and family, I don't read on a regular basis. I write. To be exact, I write almost every day (and I'm not talking about writing e-mails). Even if I don't publish something on one of my blogs, I'm always composing something. You'd be amazed by the number of drafts I have archived just waiting to be sent out into cyberspace.

I think about reading books all the time, and even have a few books that I have started reading, but haven't finished. There are some I've actually finished as well. I've even written a book review on my other blog that actually generated an opportunity to write a tribute post about the author of the book in question on another well-known book review site.

I have had a stack of books BFF has sent me. However, since I wasn't getting around to reading them, and I wasn't sure when and if I would, I gave them back to her. I guess if anything should I figured I really want to read them, I know where I can find a copy.

If I do "read," picking up a physical book (or in this electronic age, an e-reader) is not the way I typically participate in this activity. I'm a fan of audiobooks. More specifically, I prefer books that can be loaded to my iPod. For some reason I don't see this as "reading." Oh, and there is my obsession with reading blogs. I can't tell you how many blogs I subscribe too. I've lost track.

However, since I don't read books frequently I find myself saying: "I'm not a reader, I'm a writer."

What is the literal meaning of being a reader?

By this point, the logical side of my brain is crashing the party. The thought I had goes something like... "Umm... do you not realize that even on the most basic level you are a 'reader' just by the mere act of reading things in general?" Ok, so if you take the definition of the term "reader" literally I am in fact a reader.

My whole life I've struggled with a learning disability that makes reading difficult to me. (I believe this to be the reason I don't run to pick up a book for enjoyment.) Even though this is the case, over the past couple of years I have grown to be quite thankful for the fact that despite this disability, I can in fact read and comprehend what I am reading fairly decently. I sometime forget there are those that can't even read at a basic level.

So, all this boils down to the fact that in the literal sense of things, I am in fact a reader.

What's the final verdict?

Today I was thinking about the birthday celebration I attended for my middle brother back in 2010. Besides the fact that I gave him a book for his birthday that year, one of the gift's he received from my older nephew was to form a book club of sorts with A-squared (his dad and mom). They were all sitting around discussing which book they were going to read first and all I could think was how I wanted to join them. Then I stopped myself and questioned why I felt the way I did - I'm not a reader.

That following September, after I published my book review BFF and I got into an intense e-mail discussion about the book in question. After telling her how it wasn't only the story, but how it was told that kept me reading, I began to discuss some of the central themes of the book. She replied with her thought. I then responded with mine. Eventually all the back and forth came to a stop, but while it was going on we definitely fed off of each others thoughts and opinions about the story. There was one point of contention, but it was a friendly disagreement. This is when I began to wonder if this is what it was like to be in a book club. If so, I really liked it. However, once again, I've never actually taken the plunge and joined a group because I didn't really think I was the type of person for such a group.

In the end, I guess I am in fact a reader masquerading as a non-reader. I mean, it would only make sense given my love of writing and storytelling that I would seek-out things to read - books, articles, blog, etc. If not only for the enjoyment of such an activity itself, but to see how other writers approach the the craft. Reading and writing surely do compliment each other nicely. Additionally, after all my so-called-reasons for saying I'm not a reader, I've realized that I don't need to be holding an actual book, or e-reader, to make me a reader. Reading blogs, articles and listening to audiobooks does in fact make me a reader.

Hopefully, as time goes on I will try out a book club - or something of that sort. Maybe this should be one of the (formerly known as) the can't do list items I tackle in 2012. I guess only time will tell.

Friday, December 9, 2011

The other night at derby practice we had a new ref join us. When I introduced myself to this individual, I told him my name was Tracey. His reply to me went something like, "Hi Tracey... Ruthie?, I'm Wes." Though I had told him my "real" name he questioned me as the track jacket I was wearing declared I was someone else - "Ruthie RibIt."

As we took our places for the scrimmage portion of practice, I thought about the pause, and name correction, the new had made during our introduction. Though I'm use to hearing people call me by my derby name at practice I am not use to introducing myself by that name.

This incident has since found a home in the back of my brain. I can't help but think about my inability to remember who I am when I'm around my derby dames. I blame it my absenteeism over the past couple of weeks (some circumstances in my life have prevented me from getting on skates recently). I mean if I'm not around it on a frequent basis how am I suppose to know who I am there, right?! It's not like my friends and family call me by my derby name when we're hanging out.

Long before I started blogging, I've been known as Froggie. I took on the idenity when I first joined a HR networking community many, many, years ago. I didn't want my user name to anything associated with my real name and knew something frog related would be most appropriate as I've loved frog stuff for as long as I could remember. I always thought Froggie was a cute name and spelled it with an "ie" because it was unique, just like I am in real life. When I began to blog, I decided to hide behind the name as a way to protect my identity. Not that I had anything to hide, but it was a way to keep my real life and blogging life separate - only to be connected by the stories I share.

However, somehow being Froggie has become a part of who I am in real life. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I failed at my initial intent to keep my first blog strictly knitting related. Slowly, but surely, overtime it became more and more about me and my life in general. So, I guess in some way it only makes sense that what followed this transformation of my blog was having my friends call me Froggie in real life. Not many people do this, but it isn't totally unheard of. It took some getting use to, but overtime I got use to it. Actually, in some odd way, it's become my mascot.

I guess the same will happen with my derby identity as well. One day, without hesitation or giving it a second thought, I will introduce myself as Ruthie at a bout or derby related event. Who knows, maybe I will even introduce myself that way outside of derby one day as well.

Until that day comes, I'll definitely have to keep my track jacket, and other derby gear advertising my derby awesomeness, close by so I don't let the identity crisis I appear to be having get the better of me.

Kevin coined the nickname. He's convinced there's nothing I can't accomplish or do. I know that's not the case, but I appreciate that he feels I am super strong and tough.

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

Honestly? A cat. I am so envious of mine. He's always sleeping. And eating. And then sleeps some more. Who wouldn't love that kind of life?

They say life is about simple pleasures, what is your simplest pleasure, and how does it make you feel?

Getting to just sit down on the couch, go on the laptop, or watch some tv is a very simple pleasure. I have this habit of overdoing it, and not getting much time to relax. So, when I take the time to do it, there's nothing better. Reading does that for me, too. I love to cuddle under a blanket, drink some hot cocoa, and read a good book.

What do you wish people would notice more about you?

That I'm still me. When you have kids, people so often identify you by being a parent, a mother. Kids also drain the life out of you at times, and people don't get to see who I am beneath the surface. I still love to goof around, I still love to go dancing, I'm still young at heart.

Do you have a particular routine when you write? For example, do you listen to music or do you need complete silence? Is there a particular place you go to write? Etc..

It all depends on my mood. If it's a thought provoking topic, I need silence. If it's not, I can get by with the tv in the background or something. What I need for sure, is no kids around. Nolan has to be napping. I can't write with him around. It's just too difficult.

If there was one thing you knew for sure you wouldn't fail at, what would you want it to be?

A dancer. I love watching Dancing With The Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance. I love these shows, and I love dancing, but I'm no where near close to professional. I really wish I had the skill and talent to dance that well!

If you couldn't run (for whatever reason) then what activity would you participate in to keep fit and why?

I'd probably lean towards doing pilates, or yoga. It's amazing how much you feel the work outs, just by doing simple movements or poses.

Who do you admire the most?

My dad. He's in his mid 50's, and teaches a spin class 3 times a week, and races in bike marathons. He is such an inspiration. If he can keep doing it, I know I can.

What three words describe you best?

Optimistic/Emotional/Stubborn

Complete this sentence: Don't tell anyone else, but ....

I'd love to be able to do backflips. I am too old to be entertaining the idea of gymnastics, but I would love to learn backflips, and then do them as a surprise to my friends and family.

It's been a pleasure getting to know Sara. It has actually given us the opportunity to discover many more similarities than we initially knew were there.

Now that I have shared with you my interview with Sara, please take a moment to read the other interviews that took place this week:

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

I actually have a lot topics I want to write about. Things that can't be broken up in to bullet points. However, my mind is kind of all over the place tonight, so I'll save the other stuff for another time...

• For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed big. On occasion, I didn't realize I was dreaming big until others pointed out to me. Either way, my dreams have never been close to the ground. I've never seen a reason for them to be.

Every time I have a new idea I call it silly or crazy. It's not that I actually think it's silly or crazy, but it just feels that way because it appears to me to be so out of reach sometimes. I think the craziest part of all is when things really do fall into place and begin to happen. It is surreal.

• If it didn't go in the right direction, that is fine. If I've learned anything this year it's that there are so many more possibilities.

• There is never a bad time to randomly tell someone thank you.

• I have a Magic 8 Ball app on my phone. (Ok, it's really called Fortune Ball.) It's fun to play with it. It predicted that BFF's baby was going to be a girl. (Seriously, it did.) I don't live and die by the answers I get from the Magic 8 ball, but periodically it is right. Recently, I went on a question asking spree and wrote down all the answers to the questions I asked. Some of the answers I got I like; others, not so much. All this leads me to waiting and seeing how much the Magic 8 Ball, Fortune Ball.... whatever you want to call it... really knows.

• I really wish that some people would respect my position on certain matters rather than pushing me with the hope that I will change how I live my life all together.

• Mani/Pedi, yummy breakfast, possibly a movie and latkes for dinner... How do I fast forward this program to Saturday?

• Apparently the game Words with Friends does not like you to have more than 21 games going at any given time.

• I'm no longer counting the days until the LSAT. Now I'm counting the days until I go to my first Blackhawks game. Yay!!!

• One of the things I love about birthdays is that it bring people out of the woodwork. I heard from several people I know that I rarely talk too for whatever reason. It's been so nice catching up with everyone.

• The other day I saw the numbers "36" next to my name. I had to do a double take - I thought it was a typo, however it wasn't. Oh well, it is what it is... It was just odd.

• More races have been added to the 2012 race schedule - seriously, where is this addiction coming from?

• My goal is to get rid of the elephant before the year ends, however I'm not sure if that will be possible as there is so much I can do to move along this process.

• I can never look at a whistle the same way again.

• I started out the year still caring, and it looks like I will end the year the same way.

Friday, December 2, 2011

This past Spring, while trying to decide whether or not to take the June LSAT I asked D when you know it's time to give up on something. (I knew the answer already, but I had to hear it from someone else.)

"You just know when it's time." he said.

"Yep, that's what I thought." I said to myself in a soft voice.

A few days later I registered for the June LSAT. In my heart, I knew I wasn't ready to throw in the towel. It was this same feeling that motivated me to sign-up for the December LSAT as well. (Determination has never been an issue for me. When I really want something I do everything that is in my control to get to where I need to be.)

Per the council that governs the law school application process, a prospective JD student can only take the LSAT three times in a two year period. For me this means tomorrow's test is my last shot. Not only because a governing body has said so, but also because in my heart I just know it's time.

A year ago when I embarked on this journey I wouldn't have been ok knowing this mindset. Actually it probably would have upset me quite a bit; however, over the past couple of days I've come to this realization where I'm good with this fact. Regardless of what the results of tomorrow's test bring, I will not be upset like I might have once been several months back.

Disappointed, sure. Upset, no.

I've kicked the balled around once, twice . . . many times over. I didn't let any setbacks stop me from trying to move forward. That said, after all the practice I do not have any idea if my score will land at, or close to, the goal box.

Walking into an exam like this with such uncertainty is hard, but yet I remain hopeful and determined. Most importantly, I remain calm as I know that I have done, and will, do my part.

Tomorrow when I walk into the testing facility I walk in knowing it is G-d's party now. I walk in knowing that I am heading in the direction I am meant to go - regardless of wherever that may be.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Back in March when I purposed to Mel (Merryland Girl) that we resurrect the Thursday blog project group we struggled with the question of whom we should invite to join us for this chapter of project. The original group had disbanded in mid-2010 and we weren't really sure if the other two members of the group would be interested in giving it another go. After a bit of discussion, Mel and I agreed that I would invite someone one to join the group and she would invite someone to join the group. The person I invited to the group was Susanna (Mom of Many). Susanna is another good friend of mine and was familiar with what the group was about. Mel invited Sara (Momarock).

This week for the Thursday blog project I asked my fellow bloggers to pair up and write about what they have learned about their partner through the past several months. What were they surprised to learn through this individual's posts? What didn't surprise them? Also, I asked them to come up with a question that they've always wanted to ask that individual.

The pairs are as follows:

• Mel and Susanna

• Sara and Tracey

As I mentioned above, I am good friends with Mel and Susanna so we I was deciding whom should be paired with whom didn't think it was right for me to be paired with either one of them. Mel and Susanna have met before and conversed via electronic mean, but they still don't know each other as well as I know them respectively. Also, when I thought of this "topic" I already had in mind that I wanted to write about Sara.

Unlike Mel and Susanna, Sara and I had never met or communicated with one another prior to the first set of messages that went back and forth amongst the group. I was a bit nervous about letting her join because of bad experiences I've had in the past with people not meshing with me. (I'd love to say that I'm besties with everyone, but that isn't the case. There are people who in I don't particularly get along with.) It did help that she was friends with Mel, but still, you never know. Also, I was nervous because I wasn't sure what I had in common with her. See, I'm the only one in the group who isn't married and doesn't have children. I already knew what I had in common with Mel and Susana, but Sara was the unknown. With all my concerns out there, Mel assured me we'd get along and that we had a lot more in common that I could ever imagine.

I can't remember what post it was, but there was one post that Sara wrote that just made me jaw drop. Seriously, I tried closing my mouth while reading it, but my jaw kept dropping. See, what had written about was similar to an experience that I have had in my life. I remember just starting at the screen in disbelief. I immediately e-mailed Mel about it. "See, I told you you two had more stuff in common," Mel said. Of course I didn't e-mail Sara because that would make sense.

In the months that followed, I began to read Sara's blog on a regular basis. Through that I learned she loves to run, adores her family and is headstrong. I appreciate that she has a distinct point of view and isn't forthright with when sharing her stories. Actually, this is something I admire about her... not because I'm not honest in my write. I admire her candidness as this is something that is difficult for me to do sometimes.

All that said, I still keep coming back to the fact that we have so many similar experiences. When we wrote about the worst physical trauma or pain we had every experience I decided to write about an abusive relationship I was involved in and the effect it had on me. After reading that entry, Sara commented on it - her words moved me and once again made me realize I wasn't the only one.

Lastly, through this project I have learned what an excellent writer Sara is. (I highly recommend you follow her blog.)

Oh, and as for the question I would ask Sara... If you couldn't run (for whatever reason) then what activity would you participate in to keep fit and why?

Now that you have read my thoughts on the blog project's resident Momarock, Sara, please take a moment to read what my fellow bloggers have to say about their partners: